Learn About Natural Hazards In Your Neighborhood

Use this website to discover the hazards that exist in your area and learn how to reduce YOUR risk! Remember,
the best way to recover from disasters is by reducing the risks before a disaster strikes.

Please note: This web site is for general purpose use only. Real estate disclosure information can be
obtained from your local city or county government. See our disclaimer below for more information regarding
the limitations of this web service..

How To Use This Web Site

To find out what natural hazards exist in your area, do one of the following:

Enter in the search above a California street address and a city or town name then press or click on the "Search" button.

Click on the "My Location"

Use the plus sign (+) to zoom in, and the minus sign (-) to zoom out.

Natural hazards are part of living in
California. Having a preparedness kit will help you weather the days after a
disaster, but did you know there are steps you can take that may actually
reduce the risks of injuries to you and your neighbors and lessen the damage to
your home?

Earthquake Hazards

Earthquakes can occur everywhere in California which means all Californians live with an earthquake risk.
In addition to the shaking caused by earthquakes, other things can occur such as landslides, surface fault ruptures
and liquefaction--all of which may cause injury or property damage. Take note of where you live, read the
information provided here, and contact your local city our county government for further details on how
to be prepared where you live.

Earthquake Preparedness

More information and ideas on how to secure the contents of your home can be found at

Recommended actions for Earthquake Fault zones

If the property is not developed, a fault study may be required before the parcel can be subdivided or structures permitted.
If a property is developed, you will not need a geologic study unless you plan to extensively add onto or remodel an existing structure.

Recommended actions for Earthquake-Induced Landslide zones

*About the Seismic Hazard Zonation Maps:

These maps prepared by the California Geological Survey are State-mandated regulatory maps that
show "Zones of Required Investigation" for surface fault rupture, liquefaction and landslide
hazard. They do not depict different degrees of hazard, rather they identify zones within
which site specific studies will be required for new construction. These maps also are used
in real estate transactions - when a property falls within a "Zone of Required Investigation,"
sellers of that property must disclose that fact to prospective buyers.

NOTE: Some areas of the State scheduled for Seismic Hazard Zonation for liquefaction and
earthquake-induced landslides are yet to be evaluated. If you are informed that you are not
in a Seismic Hazard Zone, please check whether the Official Seismic Hazard Zone Map covering
your area has been released.

Also, map scale limitations on this website do not always allow accurate determination of
whether a property falls inside or outside a Zone of Required Investigation. This degree of
uncertainty is addressed herein by use of the term "in or near" a zone. To determine
property location relative to a zone boundary, please visit your local planning agency to
view appropriate Official Seismic Hazard, Earthquake Fault Zone maps, and parcel maps.

Wildfire Hazards

California wildfires typically burn hundreds of thousands of acres each year. California law requires CAL FIRE
(California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), to identify areas based on the severity of fire hazard
that is expected to prevail there. These areas, or "zones," are based on factors such as fuel (material that can burn),
slope and the expected chance of burning. There are three zones, based on increasing fire hazard... Moderate (M), High (H) and Very High (VH)

Flood Hazards

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.
Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly,
sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water
that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined
river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks,
producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from
a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather
can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

NOTE: FEMA is currently updating the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) inventory through
its Map Modernization Program. The updated maps will be added to this site
as they are available, however, the digital information for many California counties has not been completed.

Avoid building in a floodprone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.

Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

For more information on these items, see the Ready America and FEMA websites.
In addition, the California Dept. of Water Resources has a web page with extensive links about flood management in California.